Saguenay Fjord National Park in Quebec, Canada - map and visitor information
Research checked: . Check linked official notices before travel.
Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay protects shoreline landscapes around the Saguenay Fjord in Québec. Sépaq operates this Québec national park. Choose a specific sector before planning the drive. Baie-Sainte-Marguerite is closed for winter; the current notice keeps Baie-Éternité open only through October 25, 2026, weather permitting.
Highlights along the fjord shores
- Baie-Éternité combines forest walking with views toward high fjord walls.
- The Tadoussac area provides a different shore setting near the fjord mouth.
- Seasonal marine outings and land-based interpretation explain the meeting of forest, rock, and tidal water.
Check the sector closure first
Fees, hours, and seasonal access
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Current sector restrictions | Baie-Sainte-Marguerite is closed for winter. Baie-Éternité remains open through October 25, 2026, weather permitting, under the October13 notice. |
| Park admission | CAD 10.30 per adult age 18 or older, taxes included. Ages 0–17 enter free with access authorization. Admission does not override a closure. |
| Seasonal access roads | Normal vehicle access is seasonal. Gates close at the first snowfall; check the sector before driving. |
| Baie-Éternité winter approach | The general winter instructions describe parking at the main entrance and a 7 km snowshoe approach to the bay. Confirm the route and current authorization before planning it. |
| Marine excursions | The listed 2026 zodiac and cruise periods ended in October. Confirm a new operating schedule with the provider. |
Read the current sector-closure notice before departure. General seasonal schedules cannot be used to reopen a closed sector.
Treat the fjord as marine water
Canoes and river kayaks are prohibited on the fjord. Sea-kayak outings require suitable equipment, skill, and a plan for the conditions. Choose a guided service if you need instruction or local route support.
For a walk, check the open trail and your return route before leaving. Winter access can add a long approach before the intended outing begins; a summer parking location does not establish winter vehicle access.
Observe wildlife without entering its space
Do not feed or try to swim with marine mammals. Marine activities follow the separate Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park rules. On land, stay on designated routes. Dogs are restricted to authorized areas, and recreational drones are prohibited.
Book the selected sector and transfer
Reserve accommodation and organized activities through Sépaq or the named authorized provider. Guided sea kayaking, cruises, and road or maritime transfers are separate arrangements. Confirm the departure point and return service rather than assuming a campground booking includes transport.
Pick a shore before routing the drive
For Baie-Éternité, approach Rivière-Éternité from Route 170. The administration and sector contact address is 91 Notre-Dame, Rivière-Éternité, Québec G0V 1P0.
Baie-Sainte-Marguerite is on the other shore near Sacré-Cœur, approached from Route 172. Its winter closure applies regardless of an older map or regular summer schedule. The Tadoussac sector lies near the fjord mouth and has its own access plan.
Use the official sector directions and service guide to choose the correct entrance. A drive from Charlevoix to the north shore can involve the Tadoussac ferry; plan the actual road connection before selecting a sector.
Other parks on the regional road network
Parc national des Monts-Valin is approached from Saint-Fulgence and Rang Saint-Louis; it has a separate park-wide road-work closure October 26–November 26, 2026. Parc national des Grands-Jardins is reached from Route 381 through La Baie or Saint-Urbain. Check the specific entrance and current restrictions for either additional stop.
Choose an open shore route or a seasonal outing
When the relevant trails operate, Baie-Éternité offers forest and water views along routes such as Méandres à Falaises and the Statue trail. In Tadoussac, Pointe-de-l'Islet provides a shore-based observation route. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and the animals present.
Guided sea kayaking, zodiac outings, and cruises provide another perspective during their operating seasons. They are not year-round substitutes for a closed land sector. The official activity guide identifies providers and seasonal arrangements.
Services vary by sector and season
Baie-Éternité and Baie-Sainte-Marguerite have different reception and discovery buildings. Food counters, shops, and interpretation follow their own schedules. Do not rely on a closed visitor center for supplies or assistance.
Winter visitors must prepare for a reduced-service outing. Confirm the route, parking, and any assistance needs directly with the park before traveling.
About the fjord's Québec national park
Protecting the shores since 1983
Québec created the conservation park on June 8, 1983, after land acquisition and public consultation. Its protected landscape follows a glacial valley flooded by marine water. Earlier shoreline communities and sawmills form part of its cultural history.
Forest mammals, cliff birds, and whales
Moose, beavers, and black bears use the land habitats. Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs. Belugas and other marine mammals can be observed from shore, but their presence is not guaranteed. A seasonal wildlife opportunity does not authorize entry to a closed observation sector.
Contact the correct fjord sector
For administration and Baie-Éternité, call 418-272-1509. For Baie-Sainte-Marguerite, call 418-236-1162. Ask about the current sector restriction before booking an outing or routing the drive.
Other parks nearby
More parks in Quebec
National parks in Canada
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